RHS Chelsea Flower Show

The first of the major events in the season is the Royal Horticultural Society’s Chelsea Flower Show. For newcomers to the event, it may be interesting to note that this event has not always been held in the grounds of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. Before it arrived in SW3, the society used Chiswick House (this ceased in 1858), the site of what is now the Natural History Museum in South Kensington, and then under canvas in Temple Garden on the Embankment, before moving to where it is today.

There is no stringent dress code, but smarter visitors wear blazers and ties. Ladies often wear skirts and jackets or suits, but not usually hats. However, it is the end of spring and nearing the start of summer, so the weather can be mixed. Try to prepare for rain and shine and possibly have a rain hat, rather than an umbrella which gets in the way in crowds and can block other people’s views.

Members of the RHS have the advantage of being able to book tickets in advance and two days are set-aside for members only. There is also a private Royal preview which The Queen always attends and other family members, on the Monday, with an evening Charity Gala Evening, used by the great and the good for corporate entertainment. This is followed on Tuesday and Wednesday for RHS Members and then three days for the public, with a fabulous opportunity on Saturday for bargains as stall holders and garden designers sell off their ‘used’ wares.

There are lots of loos but they do border on the primitive and long queues can be expected for the ladies’!

If you are still in any doubt as to the event’s protocol or what to wear, please do feel free to reply to this blog with any questions you may have. Alternatively, please visit our main website for more information: http://www.theenglishmanner.com